Wimbledon Embraces Video Challenge System in 2025.
The tournament joins the US and Aussie Opens in employing replay technology.
Video review systems will make its debut at The Championships for the 2025 edition.
Athletes will gain the option to contest certain decisions made by the chair umpire, mirroring the practice already in use at each of the American Grand Slam and the Australian Open.
The new system will be accessible on the main stadium and the number one court for the duration of the Championships and on the other four show courts when they are hosting singles matches.
This development comes just a season following the All England Club implemented ELC, which terminated the centuries-old tradition of line judges.
What Can Be Reviewed?
Players cannot to challenge the call of the ELC system, but they can request the official to re-examine specific decisions, including:
- Whether a ball has bounced twice.
- Whether a ball made contact with an rival's racket or body on the way past.
- Potential interference at the conclusion of a rally.
Importantly, there will be an unlimited number on the number of challenges a player can request.
Case in Point
An illustrative incident occurred in a recent tournament last week, where Daniil Medvedev used the video challenge against his opponent.
The British player admitted it was a tough call for the umpire, but believed his rival had "used the regulations effectively."
The umpire watched a video and ruled Draper was responsible for interference, granting the rally to his opponent.
Growing Trend
Video reviews are not new for Grand Slams. The system has been in use at the US Open since 2023 and the Australian Open since 2025.
Additionally, it is increasingly prevalent on the WTA circuit, and by next season the men's ATP Tour plans to have video reviews implemented at every one of its tournaments.
Additional Innovations
Another innovation at Wimbledon this year will be the introduction of visual indicators on displays to support the audio calls from the electronic line calling system.
This solves situations where fans have occasionally been unsure whether a shot was in or out.
In other news, with exactly 100 days to go until the start of the Championships, organizers have further revealed an expansion in daily attendance at the qualifying competition in Roehampton.
